Arriving at the start of the '70s British Punk
era that spat out groups like The Damned, The Sex Pistols and countless
pretenders all eager to ape the music’s DIY ethic, The Clash played directly to
the disaffected youth of Thatcher’s England. But counter to The Pistols’
catchcry of “No future”, The Clash rallied for youth's political awakening. The
music was volatile, confrontational and unrelenting. In this edition of JR, we
welcome the release both of the double album, ‘The Clash Hits Back’ (a greatest
hits package based on the sequence of a live show from 1982) and the
comprehensive 12-disc box set, ‘Sound System’.

Another significant collection just released is
‘Higher!’ an album compiling some of the greatest songs from Sly And The Family
Stone. That band’s fusion of Funk and Psychedelic Soul in the late ‘60s and
early ‘70s was nothing short of revolutionary. Apart from the fractured genius
of bandleader Sly Stone, the group also featured Larry Graham, inventor of the
slap bass style, later adopted and championed by a multitude of players
including Bootsy Collins, Les Claypool (Primus) and Flea (Red Hot Chili
Peppers).

Also bringing the funk to this edition is
Janelle Monáe,
whose second album (‘The Electric Lady’) features guest appearances from Prince
and Erykah Badu.

And there’s some fine Roots music with that
laid-back swamp boogie that Tony Joe White has been identified with for the
past 45 years. His latest album, ‘Hoodoo’ shows the philosophy remains
unchanged: "If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it."

Another singer/songwriter known for keeping it
gritty ‘n’ real is Karma County frontman Brendan Gallagher. His 3rd
solo release (‘Wine Island’) is an impressive double album of songs and stories
that easily ranks with some of the most poetic work of his lengthy career. An
extensive national tour is soon to commence taking Brendan and his band through
cities, towns and wine growing districts alike.

As well, we savour the highly acclaimed fifth
album by English Rock band Arctic Monkeys, revisit the newly released album,
‘Tales Of Us’ from the Electronica duo Goldfrapp, preview the forthcoming long
player from American band, Arcade Fire and unveil a new song from Coldplay, to
be featured in the forthcoming sequel to the popular science fiction film, The
Hunger Games.